About the book
Hidden in the heart of the old city of Barcelona is a labyrinthine library of obscure & forgotten titles that have long gone out of print. A man brings his 10-year-old son to the library & allows him to choose one book to keep. But as he grows up, several people seem inordinately interested in his find.
Reviewed by Sherfield English Page Turners
The group found this book thoroughly entertaining and absorbing involving mystery, tragedy, magic, human and first rate story telling. Based in Barcelona in the post war years it gives a real glimpse of life in post civil war Spain.
Star rating: ****
Hampshire Libraries 
Reviewed by Keyhaven Book Circle
Our group enjoyed reading this book and it led to a good discussion afterwards. It was no surprise to find that the author had been a scriptwriter as there is a feeling of film scenes in the way the story is presented, each one revealing a little more of the intricate story as it reaches its satisfying conclusion.
Star rating: ***
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Review by The Benches
Varied cast of memorable characters. Atmospheric almost Dickensian but with shades of gothic melodrama. Good read on the who, disjointed in places. Light relief supplied by Daniel’s friend Fermin as the novel is set in the violent, frightening and suspicious time of the Spanish Civil War and eventual Franco dictatorship.
Star rating: ***
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Review by North Baddesley WI Reading Group 2
Intriguing, lures you into winding streets of Barcelona. We agreed that it was a challenge to read but worth persevering.
Star rating: ****
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Review by Alton Library Thursday Group
took an awful long time to lead you anywhere. Several members gave up. Those who read on felt the ending at least gave explanation. However no one felt it deserved its “bestseller” recommendation.
Star rating: **
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